Under the proposal, the small timber building which operates as the taxi office, will be demolished.

It will be replaced with a larger two-storey building, containing a wine bar restaurant on the ground floor and first floor, and a self-contained flat within the roofspace.

Whaley Bridge councillor David Lomax expressed concern about the absence of parking provision in the plans, adding that parking in the town centre was already “inadequate” and would struggle to support a new restaurant, which could pose traffic issues.

But Cllr John Faulkner pointed out that the plan was not for a takeaway and that the authority had an obligation to encourage investment and employment growth.

He said: “If people park where they shouldn’t park, that’s covered by highway laws. I just feel we put unnecessary burdens on businesses.”

Council officers recommended the plans for approval on the grounds that the development would support the town’s economy.

Ten of the 11 councillors present voted in favour of granting permission, on the grounds there would be no takeaways from the site.